Tax Refund for Deceased Spouse

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I received a Tax Refund check in the mail in my husbands name, dated 02 01 13. He has been deceased for 12 years. On the check there is a 12/82. If that is a date, we were married at that time and I have never remarried. Can I cash this check?

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I received a Tax Refund check in the mail in my husbands name, dated 02 01 13. He has been deceased for 12 years. On the check there is a 12/82. If that is a date, we were married at that time and I have never remarried. Can I cash this check?

Whoa, there's a whole lot of information missing here. What tax agency issued this check? Why is a refund being issued now for what appears to be a 1982 period? The statute of limitations for issuing a refund at the federal level would have been long expired unless this was a matter that had somehow been in litigation for decades. Was the check issued only in his name? If so, that indicates that whatever tax this is, it's not a joint tax liability.

In general, if the check is issued in only his name you could not cash it because you aren't him. If you were the executor or administrator of his estate, you might potentially be able to cash the check on behalf of the estate, but some more information may be needed to know exactly what steps you need to take. You may need to have the check reissued in the name of of his estate.

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If you haven't filed any tax returns (amended or otherwise) in your husband's name for a while and your returns have been filed as single since his passing, I would be very suspicious of any surprise checks from the IRS. Were you expecting this refund? Are you certain it is a tax refund check and not a payment arising from another cause? Is the check from the IRS, Social Security, etc. or are you unable to ascertain? I'd really recommend some research first. Besides, the check really belongs to his estate. That may end up being you, but you should probably get the background before bindly endorsing it.